Latest Ratings

In short: Mud, but fantastic atmosphereIn full: The past week's rain turned the course into a quagmire but the organiser's soldiered on and made it work well. Lots of on the day entries made for quite a competitive field. Lots of puddles to splash through and loads of mud in the woods. The hill was hard and left most people running. Downhill was a pleasure, although I fell over (and over) on the descent and ended up in a bush! Two laps and a great finish for a cupcake and a medal. Well done to Ash and the organisers for putting on a great race in weather that would have made Noah panic. Loved it!Date of review: June 24, 2012

In short: Best memento everIn full: Bit congested at the start but a nice level course that takes in a large oval. Very accurately measured as well according to my Garmin. Pretty fast field. Your reward for finishing was a bottle of boutique micro-brewery beer, an opener and a bag of crisps! Real ale outside bar at the clubhouse and a sausage cob merchant next to it. So everyone hung around at end and it was very social.Date of review: June 23, 2012

In short: Second time round and I'll be backIn full: A few tweaks to the course since last year and I liked them. Good organisation, easy parking and a nice water bottle memento. Not so far to run to the finish on the campus this year which I approve of. Knocked two minutes off last year's time so something must be going right! Date of review: June 18, 2012

In short: Twists and turns but flatIn full: Quite tight for the first 2k, so make sure you start at the front if you're going for PBs. Beautiful run down the "out" towpath. I found the run through the long grass round the rugby field quite tiring. Quite a twisty turny course but loads of marshalls to see you right. Flapjack at the end and the memento was a logo'd "Buff"-style snood.Date of review: May 20, 2012

In short: Loved it, loved it, loved it!In full: I ran the Cani-X 4Paws 5K event with my dog, Charlie, and it was fantastic. I regularly run with the dog but this was our first race together. Nice staggered start and it was great chatting to the other runners, many of whom were also doing their first race. The dogs got on very well. Fairly flat course and a nice long flat run in. Can recommend the specialist Cani-X harnesses. Goody bag was full of doggy treats so a big thumbs up from Charlie as well. Date of review: April 14, 2012

In short: Very slick, even though the weather was awful.In full: First time for me and I was impressed. High standard of both club and unaffiliated runners. Two laps around the park so all off road and no traffic. 3 hills per lap- two long and gradual and one sharp and steep. Nice downhills to follow and quite a lot of the course on nice soft grass. Easy parking and lots of food stalls up in the Stableyard. I got a five year standing PB, so there must be a bit of quickness in the course. Nice mug in the goody bag and I took advantage of the cupcake stall at the finish.Date of review: April 9, 2012

In short: UniqueIn full: There's just so much about this race that is out of the ordinary. The whole population of Pilsley comes out to support (and drink beer). Therefore, you are cheered for every inch of the final mile. There is the mystery runner with the lighted torch. Today, we had an Elvis impersonator at the start. Course itself has two hills: very steep but not too long, then not so steep but goes on forever. Several cattle grids, cheerleaders at the end and a nice medal and presentation at the end. A lovely evening.Date of review: July 14, 2011

In short: Ruined by the weatherIn full: Found the course rather dull and didn't enjoy running on the narrow pavements. Plenty of water and sponges available. Not keen on the cut back at Caldwell Road. Persoanl Worst for me due to the sun, but that's not the organiser's fault. Nice finish on the track and I like the idea of opting out of the Tshirt for a cheaper entry price.Date of review: July 10, 2011

In short: Enjoyed myselfIn full: Nice and warm but I paced myself. Fantastic organisation- easy parking and the rugby clubhouse was open for refreshments. Course pretty flat with a playful hill just after halfway. Two water stations and a sponge station were perfect. An excellent finish in front of the stand for supporters. And an excellent technical Tshirt afterwards. What more could you want?Date of review: July 10, 2011

In short: Nice and mellowIn full: Two hills- one at 6km that went on for around 500 metres and then one at 8km that was much steeper but not as long. I've been running up the local pit tip all winter so I loved them. Nice "round the block" route with not much traffic on the roads. Good fast finish onto the hospital campus and a nice, wearable Tshirt.Date of review: June 13, 2011